All programmes > Building Acoustics

Building Acoustics (B-KUL-H0P86A)

6 ECTSEnglish64 First termCannot be taken as part of an examination contract
Reynders Edwin
POC Bouwkunde

Aims

The aim of this course is to introduce the student in the component of acoustic science relevant to the applications associated with the building and the built environment. The physical insights concerning sound transmission, sound radiation, and sound absorption are discussed with applications in the field of airborne sound insulation, impact sound insulation, and spatial acoustics.

After successful completion of the course:
- the student can define acoustical and building acoustical quantities, and is able to communicate with acoustical experts;
- the student can explain and correctly interpret the relevant concepts and basic laws of the sound transmission through single and double walls;
- the student can explain and correctly interpret the relevant concepts and basic laws of the sound radiation and impact sound insulation;
- the student can explain and correctly interpret the relevant concepts of the sound absorption of porous materials, Helmholtz resonators and panel absorbers;
- the student is able to understand standard  measurement methods that are used in building acoustics;
- the student can apply the acquired insights and knowledge for the analysis and solution of specific problems which manifest themselves in building acoustics;
- the student is able to design buildings that satisfy the requirements for normal or increased acoustical comfort, and to critically judge, analyse and improve acoustically incorrect building components and buildings.

Previous knowledge

A basic knowledge of concepts of wave propagation as taught in the courses 'Physics: Part 1' and 'General Physics': sound waves, mechanical waves and vibrations.

A basic knowledge of concepts of continuum mechanics and strength of materials: forces and moments, stresses and strains.

A good knowledge of calculus is also supposed, especially trigonometric, exponential, logarithmic and complex functions.

Order of Enrolment


This course unit is a prerequisite for taking the following course units:
H03T3A : Zaalakoestiek en lichttechniek
H0N81A : Project gebouwentechniek 3

Identical courses

This course is identical to the following courses:
H06M6A : Bouwakoestiek (No longer offered this academic year)

Is included in these courses of study

Activities

3.7 ects. Building Acoustics: Lectures (B-KUL-H0P86a)

3.7 ECTSEnglishFormat: Lecture36 First term
Reynders Edwin
POC Bouwkunde

Content

  • In a first part, the acoustic variables are discussed: sound pressure, sound power, sound intensity, sound absorption, reverberation time, ... and the relationships between the variables
  • The second part deals with the physical mechanisms related to sound isolation, sound radiation, mechanical excitation of plates and sound absorption. The insights are directly applied to the air sound isolation of walls, the contact sound isolation of floors and spatial acoustics.
  • In the third part, the emphasis is on the practice of civil acoustics. Simple, double and complex walls are investigated. The theoretical results are compared with laboratory results and the influence of flanking transmission is investigated. Concerning the improvement of contact sound isolation, the possibilities of floating floors are discussed. Sound absorption is associated with the use for an improved sound isolation and with the control of sound propagation in a closed space.

Course material

Study cost: 11-25 euros (The information about the study costs as stated here gives an indication and only represents the costs for purchasing new materials. There might be some electronic or second-hand copies available as well. You can use LIMO to check whether the textbook is available in the library. Any potential printing costs and optional course material are not included in this price.)

G. VERMEIR, Bouwakoestiek, 1999, ISBN 9033443767

2.3 ects. Building Acoustics: Exercises (B-KUL-H0P87a)

2.3 ECTSEnglishFormat: Practical28 First term
Reynders Edwin
POC Bouwkunde

Content

Topics of the 2.5 hour sessions:

  • physical variables, field equations (1)
  • calculating with acoustic variables (2)
  • sound isolation of simple walls (1)
  • sound isolation of complex walls and double walls (1)
  • flanking transmission (1)
  • contact sound isolation, vibration isolation (1)
  • discussion session (1)

Course material

G. VERMEIR, Bouwakoestiek, 1999, ISBN 9033443767

Evaluation

Evaluation: Building Acoustics (B-KUL-H2P86a)

Type : Partial or continuous assessment with (final) exam during the examination period
Description of evaluation : Written
Type of questions : Open questions, Closed questions
Learning material : List of formulas, Calculator

Explanation


The evaluation consists of two parts: an intermediate test during term and a final exam during the exam period. Both parts are in written form and of the type "closed book". A calculator without memory storage capacity can be used for both parts. Each time, a list of formulas will be provided.

Information about retaking exams

The evaluation consists of one part: an exam during the exam period.